To the editor:
As much as I had hoped to work with everyone in St. Paul, and keep partisan politics out of the conversation, I see the Republican's have now sent out a letter attacking my first 120 days in office. And I am disappointed that they have found some people who blindly put their name on these letters and then send them to local newspapers. Henry Merickel and Arles Kumpula both submitted the same letters, both filled with inaccurate information, aimed only at questioning my ability to serve senate district 10. I have explained per diem and other expenses publicly at town meetings. I did not have an opportunity to vote on per diem increases. That is set by a bipartisan rules committee, as is housing allowances. I get to vote on whether or not to accept the money, which I did. And by the way I am taxed on salary and per diem.
As to the tax issues. I truly believe the state should be ready to invest in two areas this session. Education and transportation. I believe the senate has a good plan to move forward in both areas.
My vote on property taxes restores some fairness to the system, and homeowners should see their property tax bills decrease by 5.8 percent rather than increase another 6-10 percent next year. And research has indicated that taxpayers cost of running government is actually going down.
In the end I want the people who read this newspaper to know that either of these individuals could have received the accurate information by simply calling me, or emailing me. Many people from the district, from both sides of the aisle, have taken the time to contact me. In the end we don't always agree, but this process is built on discussion and consensus. A big part of my work here is on constituent issues. Ask your friends and neighbors who have contacted me. I answer emails and I return phone calls. Arles and Henry were drawn in to party politics and not the kind of relationships we try to foster here in central Minnesota.
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I take this job very seriously, I am enjoying my time in the Senate, and I look forward to serving you.
Dan Skogen
State Senate, District 10
